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Building Homes or Extensions/build wooden second story oo brick garage

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Expert: - 1/6/2009


Question
I have a 6 x 6 meter garage constructed from brick and would like to build a small bachelor apartment above it still maintaining full use of my garage. Would you advise a wooden deck as the floor and could you advise on the design, support etc. Alternatively advise on another cost effective solution.

Answer
Hi Sachin, Depending on your location and the availability the best system to use for this would be wood I-joists.  They are inexpensive and can easily span the 18-20 feet.  They can be engineered for pretty much any depth but I think you will need at least a 14"
(35-40 cm) joist at a spacing of 24" (60 cm) or so.  For the decking I recommend 3/4" (2 cm) thick tongue and groove plywood, nailed and glued to the I-joists.

If these materials are not available and you need to discuss this further please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com

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Bruce E. Johnson

Expertise

I can answer any construction related question in regards to carpentry, concrete, drywall, masonry, structural elements of any type of building, residential or commercial. Interior or exterior.

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Custom Commercial and residential buildings. Churches, theaters, schools and auditoriums. Most recently I am working with the Catholic Church on several design build committees. I have a website related to scheduling and project supervision. Although my expertise is more related to multimillion dollar commercial, educational and theatrical projects my generous credentials in residential and remodelling construction make me a viable source of information regarding all forms of building questions.

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